rom 08v28 Divine
"We know that all things work together for good
to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his
purpose." Romans 8:28
Divine predestination is that
once for all sovereign act of God by which he purposed
and determined all things that should ever come to pass in this world. Nothing
ever takes God by surprise, for nothing ever comes to pass except that which he
has purposed in eternity for the ultimate good of his people and glory of his
name. Divine providence is God's continual supervision and government of his
universe, by which he sovereignly manipulates all things "according to his
purpose".
The scriptures plainly teach that all events have a
divinely appointed place and purpose, that God's providence extends to all his
creatures, and that he thus secures the complete accomplishment of his eternal
purpose. God's providential control extends over all the elements of the world
(Nahum 1:3; Amos 4:7), the animals of the world (Ps. l04:21; Mt. 6:26, 10:29),
the nations of the world (Ps. 33: 10; 47:7; Isa. 40:15; Dan. 2:21; 4:17;
Amos 3:6), and the men of the world (Ex. 11:7; Ps. 37:23; Pro. 16:9; 21:1; Isa.
64:8; Acts 18:9). God's providential control over men extends to all their
acts, whether good or evil (Ex.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform:
He plants His footsteps in the
sea,
And rides
upon the storm.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain:
God is His own Interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
God's holy, wise, and good
providence gives his believing people confidence, comfort, and contentment in this
world. Since our God is in control of all things, we are confident that he will
allow nothing to come to pass except that which is good for us and will be best
for his own purpose. If we did not believe the scriptures in this regard we
would lose all comfort, and probably all sanity as well. How could we rely upon
God to fulfill his promises, if he did not control all things? Were it not for
God's sure providence, how could we be sure that he could fulfill the
prophecies of scripture? How could we be sure that nothing will ever separate
us from the love of God? How could we be certain that he can preserve our souls
in all our trials? How could we know that Satan will not triumph in the end?
How could we bear the trials and heartaches of life, if we had no confidence
that by the hand of God's providence all things are working together for good
to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose? I
know, and take comfort in the fact, that no evil thing shall happen to those
who trust the Lord, only because I know that he in whom we trust sovereignly
controls all things for our good, both good and evil. And the gracious
providence of God, when realized by faith, gives the people of God contentment
in this world. We are satisfied with that which our heavenly Father does,
because what he does is best. We want no more and no less, either of good or
evil, either of prosperity or adversity, than he gives, because what he gives
is best. By faith in Christ we can calmly bear all things and patiently endure
all things, giving praise to God for all things. With Job we will say,
"Shall we not receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive
evil?" With Eli we will say, "It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth
him good."